Felipe Pikullik presents the FP Klassik, an entry point into fine German watchmaking

Borna Bošnjak

• The Berlin-based watchmaker introduces his most affordable creation yet
• With three colours to choose from, the frosted brass dials proudly display the watch’s German origins
• Despite the lower price, the ZBM1 movement based on a Unitas 6498 still has a number of finely finished surfaces

Entering the seventh year of producing watches under his eponymous brand, Felipe Pikullik has already shown his expertise with dial manufacturing, movement skeletonisation and complication development. For a young watchmaker spearheading a young brand, that’s an impressive feat, but it should really come as no surprise considering his studying under Stephan Kudoke and Rolf Lang. The young German-Brazilian watchmaker has developed a new piece, once again based on the venerable ETA 6498 and meant to occupy the entry level of his offering. The Felipe Pikullik FP Klassik maintains some of Pikullik’s already established signatures and intricate skeletonisation work, at a much more affordable price point compared to some of his other pieces equipped with more elaborate finishing or complications.

Proudly showing off its Berliner roots right on the dial, the FP Klassik uses a matte, frosted dial finish in a choice of green, blue or black, with applied hour and minute markers in high polish. The beaded, pearl-like minute marker give off an especially pleasant sheen. In a stark contrast to the unobtrusive indices, the wide lance handset dominates the dial, and the minute and hour hands are almost identical, with the latter being just a hair shorter and stubbier. This look may seem a tad unbalanced, but it’s become a Felipe Pikullik signature at this point, with wide dial expanses and small indices, allowing most of the look to be dominated by the handset.

Just like the hands and dial, the other signature elements of Pikullik’s work are all present. For starters, the case measures in at 41mm which is an unusually large size for most independent watchmakers going for a more traditional look. The size is likely commanded by the ETA 6498 within, but don’t be mistaken, this is no run-of-the-mill Unitas calibre. It might’ve started off life as such, but the gold-plated, hand-engraved balance cock, snailed ratchet and crown wheels, circularly brushed gear train and mirror-polished screws are all examples of the elaborate finishing Pikullik and his crew get up to.

In fact, this Klassik variant of the ZBM1 movement only omits the oodles of intricate hand-polishing of the interior angles when compared to the example found in Pikullik’s Sternehimmel. Spec-wise, the ZBM1 Klassik sports a slow, 18,000vph beat rate (owing to its pocket watch roots), a 46-hour power reserve, and accuracy of 0/+5 seconds per day, which makes it more accurate than a COSC-certified movement.

Compared to these higher end pieces and let alone to Pikullik’s fully custom work, the FP Klassik seems pretty sensibly priced at just €6,500. Putting the price into perspective, and there’s no denying that Pikullik believes in the value of his handicraft, and therefore is happy to charge a premium for it. Having said that, I’m not nearly as upset about the high price point considering what run-of-the-mill brands with fully machine-decorated movements charge these days. For a slice of individuality and actual hand-crafted work, it starts to look all the more reasonable, doesn’t it?

Felipe Pikullik FP Klassik pricing and availability

The Felipe Pikullik FP Klassik is available as a regular-production model. Price: €6,500

Brand	Felipe Pikullik
Model	FP Klassik
Case Dimensions	41mm (D) x 10.5mm (T) x 50mm (LTL)
Case Material	Stainless steel
Water Resistance	30 metres
Crystal(s)	Sapphire front and back
Dial	Frosted brass in green, dark blue or black
Lug Width	20mm
Bracelet	Atelier Petrov leather strap, quick-release
Movement	ZBM1, ETA 6498 base, manual winding
Power Reserve	46 hours
Functions	Hours, minutes, small seconds
Availability	Now
Price	€6,500